In the antiquities, nanoparticles were used by the Damascans to create swords with exceptionally sharp edges and the Romans to craft iridescent glassware. So were these archaic artisans also nanotechnologists? And what can today's scientists learn from such historic artefacts?

Nasa and the European Space Agency have some ambitious plans. But if manned missions to Mars, super-thin spacesuits and shoebox-sized shuttles become a reality, then nanotechnology will undoubtedly have played a key role

At a school in Bristol, Year 10 students debated with Year 11 on the pros and cons of nanotechnology and its use in medical science. An audience of 100 fellow pupils and staff were asked to vote. So which team came out top?

Can nanotechnology eradicate diseases and will the benefits of the technology outweigh any potential hazards? Janet Murray reports from a school in Glasgow where pupils, parents and experts discussed such vital questions

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Commissioning editor Alok JhaSupervising editor for GNM Sarah Jewell (sarah.jewell@guardian.co.uk)Produced for Guardian Business and Professional by Seven Plus to a brief agreed with NanoChannelsPaid for by NanoChannels. All editorial controlled and overseen by the GuardianContact Sunita Gordon 020-3353 2447 (sunita.gordon@guardian.co.uk)

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